What is the Padrón and how to register on it?

If you are an expat living in Spain, it's important to get registered with your local town hall on the padrón. The Padrón is essentially a register of the local population of a town or city in Spain. In Spanish it’s full name is Certificado de Empadronamiento. It is the certificate that confirms your address, your connection with the town/city, and your official residency in that area. This register allows the town hall to track the population and calculate the resources that should be allocated.

The Padrón is essential to obtain some of the basic things you need to live in Spain, such as the national health insurance card, residency, driving licence, and the ability to register to vote. Once you are on the Padrón, you would be considered “Empadronado” - registered with the local council.

How to register on the Padrón

To register for the padrón, you can simply visit your local town hall or the Citizen Attention Office. You will need to bring a few documents with you, including:

• Original passport, ID card, or residency card: This is required to prove your identity and confirm your legal status in Spain.
• Proof of address: You will need to provide documents that verify your current address in Spain. This can be either a rental agreement or a property deed in your name.
• Utility bill or proof of payment: You should bring a recent utility bill, such as an electricity or water bill, that clearly shows your name and address as evidence of your residence.
• NIE number: The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number assigned to non-Spanish residents. You will need to obtain your NIE before registering on the padrón. Find out how you can do it reading our article on What is a NIE, why do I need one, and how do I get one.

It is important to note that the registration procedure may differ slightly depending on your town hall. Some town halls may require an appointment before the visit. If you're unsure of what you need, simply call or email them first to confirm the necessary procedure.

How to book your appointment - Cita Previa

To book a cita previa (appointment) at your local town hall in Spain, you can follow these general steps:

• Search for the official website of your town hall. You can do this by searching for "cita previa ayuntamiento [name of your town/city]" on the internet.
• Access the website and look for the section related to 'cita previa' or appointments.
• Follow the instructions provided on the website to schedule your appointment. This may involve filling in your personal information, selecting the type of appointment you need, and choosing a date and time.

Although most town halls do follow a similar system, some may have a different procedure. It is always best to visit the official website of your town hall and refer to their specific instructions for booking a 'cita previa'.

Cost and Duration of your Padrón Certificate

The process of registering on the Padrón is generally free of charge. You may need to pay a small fee for certain documents required during the registration process, such as obtaining your NIE. The duration of the Padrón certificate varies depending on whether you are a European or non-European expat:

• European expats: The Padrón certificate has no fixed expiration date for European Union citizens. However, it is important to keep your Padrón updated and renew it when your personal information or address changes.
• Non-European expats: The Padrón certificate for non-European expats is usually issued for a period of 2 years. After this period, you will need to renew your registration.

How long does it take to get your Padrón certificate?

The time it takes to be issued the Padrón certificate can vary depending on your town hall. Some town halls may require an appointment before the visit, so it is advisable to call or email them first to confirm the necessary procedure and any specific requirements. However, normally, you will be able to leave the appointment with your Padrón certificate on the same day.

Using your Padrón as proof of Address

It is important to note that the Padrón certificate is often used as official proof of address in Spain and has a validity period for this purpose. In some cases, it may be valid for up to 90 days for proof of address purposes. Therefore, it is essential to keep your Padrón updated and renew it when necessary.

Other benefits of being on the Padrón

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, there are other advantages of being on the Padrón:

• Access to social services: Being on the Padrón may make you eligible for certain social services and benefits provided by the town hall or local government such as senior care programmes or over 65s discounted travel schemes.
• Municipal tax benefits: Some municipalities offer tax benefits to those registered on the Padrón, such as reduced property or council tax rates.
• Statistical representation: By registering on the Padrón, you become part of the local population statistics, which can influence resource allocation and development planning in your area.
• Schools: Remember, if you have children, being on the Padrón will also enable you to enrol your children in the local school.

Having a Padrón certificate is a must if you intend to stay in Spain for the long term or take up residence. It is a straightforward process that ensures you access all the necessary services and benefits. Therefore, if you haven't registered yet, make sure you visit your local town hall soon.

If you're considering settling down in Spain and becoming an official resident by registering on the padrón, it may also be a good time to start exploring properties. Whether you're looking for a cosy apartment in the city or a stunning villa by the beach, now is the perfect opportunity to find your ideal property. Take the next step towards your new life in Spain by browsing through our listings and starting your search for a new place to call home.